Kangra Brajeshwari Temple tightens security ahead of Navratri

Preparations for the upcoming Navratri festival have intensified at the Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple in Kangra, with the administration strengthening security, crowd management, and parking arrangements for devotees expected to visit the shrine from across the country. Special assistance will also be provided to devotees above 60 years of age to facilitate their darshan.

Kangra Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dr Anjali Garg said all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure devotees’ safety and convenience during the festival. Cleaning, lighting and decoration work is underway at the temple, while the tender process for sanitation arrangements have been completed.

Kalash Sthapana will be performed on the first day of Navratri, followed by daily yajna ceremonies throughout the festival. The administration is also focusing on maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the smooth movement of devotees within the temple premises.

To manage the expected rush, the administration will deploy additional police personnel and home guards at the temple and various parking locations across Kangra. Traffic police will also be stationed at designated points to regulate vehicle movement and assist devotees arriving from other states. Officials at the temple will wear ID cards so visitors can easily identify them and seek assistance when needed.

The administration is introducing a special facility for devotees aged 60 and above. Dr Garg said senior citizens can obtain a ticket for Rs 200 from a counter at the temple entrance and receive assistance during darshan. The initiative aims to reduce the inconvenience elderly devotees face while visiting the shrine.

Parking arrangements have also been made to accommodate the expected increase in vehicles during Navratri. Parking will be available along the bypass road near Banganga Ghat and at the multilevel parking facility near Yatri Sadan. Devotees can also use other private parking facilities available in town.

An HRTC bus service will run from the Banganga Ghat bypass parking area to facilitate devotees’ movement. The arrangement is intended to make temple access more convenient and help manage traffic congestion during the festival.

Dr Garg said ensuring devotees’ safety and convenience remained the administration’s priority. Necessary arrangements are being made in coordination with the concerned departments to provide a smooth and organised darshan experience throughout Navratri.